A straight-forward shot using fill flash to brighten those dark undersides.
Tid-bit: Camera Shutter Life Expectancy Database for those wondering how long their DSLR will keep working.
Thanks for looking.

Very beautiful!
For my photos, I know, a bit of work to do in post processing - but the photos are already programmed Aminus - will try to find your recommended version in French to help me spot! Thank you very much!

I really like this one, Tom. There is such character. As always you are spot on focus with a shallow DOF. The soft background allows this guy to stand out nicely. Great work with the fill light. I like that you give a general description and link of lens and techniques used. I'll take a look about the DSLR life. The shutter button on my last DSLR gave out. It will work with the timer, but to repair was around $200. Instead I bought an updated new body. Too bad, I'd like to have it working.

21 Sep 2012 2:34pm

@Barbara: Hi Barb,
The scene was a lot darker than it looks here. I compensated 1.5 for background to increase brightness, and still had to use flash to get the shot right. I was just lucky the little guy didn't jump before I could experiment.
I remember your first camera having problems, so you might report it there to help others out. The more data they collect, the better people can judge what to buy. Anyway, glad you got a new one, I always enjoy seeing your shots.
Thanks!

Woooow! Superb macro with great background, nice colors and stunning details. Compo and DOF used are really awesome.

21 Sep 2012 9:01pm

@Josep: Thanks Josep,
The MP-e 65 has really shallow dof, so it can be difficult to shoot with. I sharpened the top half of the insect only, using a separate layer to avoid background noise, and flattened. Color saturation was "punched" a bit in PS, but otherwise right from the cam.
Thanks!

Hi Dang. Awesome shot. Almost looks like a colour illustration more than a photo. Such an unusual looking insect. I just bought a Canon 100mm macro recently but haven't had a chance to play around with it yet. The 300mm can get surprisingly close and with the 1.4 tc, even closer. It's hard enough getting close to butterflies as it is!

25 Sep 2012 9:11am

@rick: Hi Rick,
The 100mm is my primary lens. I usually use a Canon EF Life-Size Converter (2X) made for the Canon 50mm f/2.5 macro, or a Kenko Pro300 1.4X with it (the standard Canon converters won't work).
For butterfly shots, the bokeh is really smooth, it's great lens. As for this shot looking like an illustration, it's probably due to the lighting and light-sharpening used. Thanks, I hope to see more of your shots soon.

Hello Tom, No matter how many times I take a look at this, it still fascinates me. We had butterflies just up until the drop in temps moved in. No insects (outdoors) for awhile. I wanted t6o stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas, I hope all is well with you.